Ten Tips for Planning the Perfect Outdoor Wedding

Are you thinking about having your wedding and reception in a beautiful outdoor setting? Can you picture yourself next to a rippling stream, amidst stunning gardens and a waterfall, surrounded by lush lawns on a beautiful sunny day and all in a private setting? Outdoor weddings are romantic and beautiful. The refreshing outdoor air and the natural beauty of your surroundings can be a wonderful experience, and a little bit of planning can make all the difference on your special day. Here are 10 tips for planning your outdoor wedding event.

 

 

MAKE YOUR GUESTS COMFORTABLE

Let them guests know the nature of the venue. Think about the time of the day and the month of the year of your outdoor wedding – will there be shade or will they be in the direct sun? Let your guests know if they will have some protection from the elements if the weather decides not to cooperate. Also, know your guests will always prefer permanent restrooms rather than decorated portable facilities.
To help your guests stay cool, you might print your wedding program on a hand-held fan or have bottled water available. An outdoor wedding doesn’t always mean heat...especially if it’s planned for the early spring, fall or winter. For these times, the perfect outdoor wedding site will have heat available – especially after the sun sets.

 

 

 

MAKE YOURSELF COMFORTABLE

Having an air conditioned changing room for you and your bridesmaids will make everyone’s preparation much more comfortable and enjoyable.

 

 

BOOK YOUR DATE EARLY

Popular summer months such as June, July and August fill up fast so plan ahead and book your date well in advance. Some outdoor wedding venues offer weddings any day of the week and can be a good alternative if your Saturday date is already taken. Fridays and Sundays are becoming very popular and you can often receive reduced rates with many vendors.

 

 

 

HAVE A BACK-UP PLAN

Do you know what you’ll do if it rains? The perfect outdoor wedding area will have a protected area available, just in case. You’ll want to establish a plan to move under shelter if needed. A tent is an option, but sometimes rain includes wind and a tent might not be the best idea. A permanent structure such as a pavilion is more desirable. Many brides and grooms opt to have the ceremony outside with a natural background and have the reception in a more protected area out of the direct sun or inclement weather.

 

 

MAKE USE OF YOUR LOCATION'S NATURAL BEAUTY

Does your outdoor wedding site feature such things as beautiful floral gardens, ponds, streams, waterfalls and decorative landscaping? One of the bonuses of an outdoor wedding is the beauty of your surroundings. This natural beauty will lessen your need and costs to decorate. While searching for your ideal location, look for natural or built-in points of beauty for great backdrops and photo opportunities. A waterfall or a beautifully landscaped hillside can make a great backdrop for an outdoor wedding ceremony.

 

 

 

BUGS

Although bugs are part of nature, mosquitoes and flies can make things uncomfortable. If you’re having your wedding at a private venue ask if they do any type of bug prevention and management.

 

 

ALERT YOUR VENDORS

All your vendors need to know you’re planning an outdoor wedding. Find out if your caterer has experience planning an outdoor wedding menu. Make they are planning food that will keep well in the heat or if they need a separate area for food preparation and if this is available at your venue.

 

 

 

 

RESEARCH YOUR RENTAL AGENTS

Outdoor weddings can require a very significant amount of rentals. You may need to rent tables, table cloths, chairs, lights, portable restrooms and a dance floor. If you’re at a private venue, find out what they can provide. The perfect outdoor wedding venue will provide most of these things for you either included in your fee or as an option for a rental fee. The more they provide the easier and cheaper it will be for you.

 

 

WEAR THE RIGHT ATTIRE

If hot weather is in the forecast, wear light fabrics to avoid unnecessary overheating and perspiration. Depending on the time of the year, the temperature may cool down considerably as the sun sets. Also, shoes with high heels don’t work very well when you’re walking on grass.
A flatter soled shoe is best. There’s nothing like getting your heel stuck on the way down the aisle.

 

 

 

 

IS PRIVACY IMPORTANT?

Having an outdoor wedding and reception also insures that you and your guests have a lot more space to move around. But some outdoor wedding venues can turn out to be more public than you ever wanted your private ceremony to be. Some venues have multiple weddings and other activities happening at the same time. A separately rented outdoor venue gives you the chance to manage the ceremony and the guests better and gives you the opportunity to have an intimate, uninterrupted day with friends and family.

 

Riverside Receptions Etc., LLC has taken great care to assure the above tips are considered to make your special day
the very best it can be. Please contact us today to see our unique, private, spectacular venue for an outdoor ceremony and/or reception. 269-467-6132